Capacitive Force Sensor Layout for Uniform Touch Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors struggle with non-uniform changes in electrical values across different regions of the sensor surface when force is applied, leading to inaccuracies in detecting and interpreting force magnitudes.
Innovation Solution
A system with varying electrode areas and gap configurations, including first and second capacitive force sensors, is used to yield uniform changes in capacitance values across the sensor surface, allowing for accurate detection and interpretation of force magnitudes by reading electrical values from these sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform electrode area and gap configuration are used across the sensor surface, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-uniform capacitance changes in different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the electrode gap configuration in different regions of the touch sensor. Specifically, the first region has a first gap configuration while the second region has a second gap configuration, allowing each region to produce uniform capacitance changes when force is applied. This resolves the contradiction by making the structure non-uniform locally to achieve uniform measurement response across the entire sensor surface.
2Measurement precision
If varying electrode areas and gap configurations are used in different regions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the gap configuration parameter in different regions of the touch sensor. The first region uses a first gap parameter while the second region uses a second gap parameter, allowing each region to be calibrated for uniform capacitance response. This approach improves measurement precision by tailoring parameters to local requirements while managing complexity through systematic parameter variation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves uniform changes in capacitance values across the sensor surface, enabling precise detection and interpretation of force magnitudes, improving accuracy in touch input recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive force sensor... configured to yield a first change in capacitance values responsive to application of a first force magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a substrate; a first electrode proximal a center on the substrate; and a second electrode interposed between the first electrode and an edge on the substrate. The system also includes a first coupling region: arranged on a first planar region of the baseplate; offset from the first electrode by a first height; and coupling to the first electrode to yield a first electrical value at the first electrode responsive to application of a force magnitude proximal the center. The system further includes a second coupling region: arranged on a second planar region, offset above the first planar region, of the baseplate; offset from the second electrode by a second height, less than the first nominal gap height; and coupling to the second electrode to yield a second electrical value, approximating the first electrical value, at the second electrode responsive to application of the force magnitude.